Bangkok: Urges all provinces of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to open shelters to support vulnerable groups. Warawut revealed that affiliated agencies nationwide have suffered little damage, urging all provinces of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to open shelters to accommodate vulnerable groups, prepare beds, food, and water, and organize a workshop to plan for disaster response in 20 northeastern provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security and leader of the Chartthaipattana Party, disclosed that following the earthquake situation affecting Thailand, he received a report from the Center for Accelerated Public Welfare Management (CWMS) of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The report, accessible via hotline number 1300, indicated that only a few people have contacted them, seeking information on the general situation and direct contact numbers for relevant agencies in case of future earthquakes.
For the agencies within the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security that I have tasked with surveying the damage, reports indicate only slight impacts. The structural integrity of the Ministry's offices across the country has been slightly compromised, such as cracks in buildings, but they remain operational. To ensure safety, coordination with civil engineering departments in each province has been initiated for further inspection. On the same day, I emphasized the importance of officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security conducting surveys of vulnerable groups to assess their conditions, especially the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and young children, and to determine if their housing or livelihoods have been affected.
On March 30, I, along with executives from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, will attend the Disaster Care Center for the Vulnerable (DCCV) meeting in Khon Kaen Province. This center has been in preparation for several months and aims to provide assistance and proactive relief to vulnerable groups affected by disasters. The meeting will include Mr. Thanetpol Thanabunyawat, Assistant Minister, advisory teams, the Minister, Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary, and executives from all units of the Ministry.
In the area of 20 provinces, including Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Yasothon, the workshop will present disaster situations in the Northeastern region over the past four years, summarizing impacts, assistance operations for vulnerable groups, and future disaster forecasts. Policies to address disaster impacts on vulnerable groups and climate change-related challenges will be discussed, with suggestions for operational improvements.
For the opening of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's units in every province as shelters to support vulnerable groups and affected people, we have asked all units, centers, houses, and settlements of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to inspect their offices and if there is no impact or severe damage, we have instructed all units to prepare areas to support, provide drinking water, food, and be ready to support vulnerable groups and affected people who will use the services if necessary. For the private sector, if there is a need to support the shelters or the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's units, you can contact the 24-hour hotline 1300 to coordinate with the agencies. We would like to thank you in advance.
In Mae Hong Son Province, located close to the border near the earthquake's epicenter in Mandalay, Myanmar, more damage is expected compared to other provinces. The Social Development Department in this region, along with those on Thailand's western border, will face additional challenges to support vulnerable groups and officials impacted by the earthquake. Encouragement is extended to all Ministry officials managing these efforts while ensuring self-care amidst their responsibilities.